How to Pick a Therapist

The relationship between a patient and a therapist is vital for the therapy to be effective. Patients must be able to completely trust in the therapist’s knowledge and skills. Choosing the right therapist is the first step to better mental health. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide exactly what your requirements are and what you want out of the therapy. Ask yourself these questions: Do I need a therapist that is local? When am I available for appointments? Do I want to attend group therapy sessions? Do I need a therapist that is open late? Do I need a therapist that specializes with families or couples? How much do I want to spend on therapy?
2. Check with your health insurance to see which therapists are covered with your policy. There are mental health clinics with multiple therapists that are covered through most insurance policies. If you do not have insurance, check in the phone book for therapists in your area.
3. Contact every therapist your insurance company covers. Ask if they meet your requirements. Make a list of the therapists that meet your requirements. Call them and ask soon it would be before you see the doctor. Some clinics book initial appointments to fill out paperwork and then schedule a separate appointment to meet with the therapist. There are also times when the visit with the therapist is months after the initial interview. If you do not have insurance, ask how much the visits cost.
4. Review the information you have gathered about the therapists who meet your requirements. Ask friends, neighbors, family and your primary care physician if they know anything about the therapists on your list.
5. Choose one or two therapists who meet your needs. Make an appointment with them. Feel free to make appointments with different therapists if you want to test the waters a bit.

Tips & Warnings

• Find the exact location of the therapist's office beforehand to avoid frustration on the day of the appointment. Show up for your first appointment at least 30 minutes early.
• If you are choosing a therapist for a child, check the doctor's credentials for previous experience with children.
• If your child does not warm up to a therapist after the second session, ask her if she wants to try another doctor.
• Avoid falling for advertisements by therapists who promise a quick fix or a cure.
• Do not agree to commit to a certain number of appointments.
• Don’t be afraid to discuss concerns you have with the therapist. It's what you are paying them for and what they are trained to do.